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On the evening of Wednesday, February 6th, LBS had the pleasure of attending The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection Show at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC, where we were amongst a sea of red dresses, lips, shoes, handbags and even red hair in support of the fight against heart disease. The Heart Truth campaign is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. We blogged about National Wear Red Day last Friday, in support of The Heart Truth’s mission to spread heart health awareness.

The show consisted of a plethora of stars including Toni Braxton, Wendy Williams, Kelly Osbourne, Gabby Douglas, Roselyn Sanchez, Minka Kelly, Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner to name a few. Designers of the striking dresses included a few of our favorite designers: Oscar de la Renta, Tadashi Shoji, Herve L. Leroux, Marc Bouwer, Carolina Herrera and Nicole Miller.

The energy in the room was at an all-time high as the lights dimmed and the show promoting heart health for all women began.

Toni Braxton was most definitely my star of the night as I am aware of her battle with heart disease and have been a lover of her music since forever! I was excited to see her honored by closing the show. She beamed down the runway and worked it out in this stunning Herve L. Leroux red dress.

I cannot believe how quickly 2012 has come & gone. I feel like I was doing this year-end Project 365 review post just yesterday and suddenly we’re approaching the dawn of a completely new year, and here I am again. My 20’s are flying by! Sheesh.

I have so many incredible things to be thankful for this year. 2012 was truly a year of growth and constant change for me. I think I experienced the most changes in my adult life during this year. From career changes to lifestyle changes to personal life changes and self-renewal, this was a pivotal year for me. I’ve learned so much about myself from all the trials & tests I’ve had to endure. My faith is way stronger and I have clarity of mind about where I see myself and what I truly want out of life. The Quarter-Life Crisis is real, y’all. But necessary. Most important lesson learned? Count your blessings.

Here’s a list of My 2012 Top 20 Things I’m Thankful For:

1. My first trip to San Francisco

San Francisco is a city after mine own heart. From the incredible sight-seeing, the beautiful rolling hills, the coastal views and the amazing green lifestyle there, to the tech vibes and the diversity of the city, I fell head over heels. I love it and I can’t wait to go back!

Before this year, I hadn’t colored my hair at all since 2006. Big step for me! I mean, yes it was colored extensions so not actually “my” hair, but it was still major for me to embrace the color and the change. Dana Gibbs of Dana’s Loft did an excellent job on my BET Awards look. I think it was my best hair ever. Ombre ends might make a reappearance on this head in 2013.

4. My First Published Travel Story

I have always been addicted to travel. Any major trips I take, I document them right here on the blog and it’s always been something I was really passionate about. So it was a MAJOR deal for me to have my first travel story published in a print magazine. I had the opportunity to do so in the April 2012 issue of UPTOWN Magazine. I’ll never forget it!

5. My first “Home” away from home

So this year I started my new Home Improvement series. I moved into a new apartment in the city that just has so much character and, for once, really feels like “my” home. I’ve been really enjoying making it my own and giving it a personal touch.

6. Discovering LiSi Cosmetics

By far one of the best moments of 2012 was my first time walking into the flagship LiSi Cosmetics store in downtown NYC. From that day on, I have been hooked and the brand has been so incredibly supportive of me and my endeavors. I’ve had so much fun spreading the word about them. From the Digital Launch Party to the creation of my nail polish color. I’m beyind grateful for having stepped foot into that store.

7. My Trip to the BET Awards

The fact that this blog all started with a runway recap of the BET Awards in 2009, it really brought things full circle for me when I was invited by Ford to be a special guest in their Ford Hotspot in LA. Not only was it my first time in LA, but my Road To BET Awards series really hit home for me because it truly has been a journey since starting my site. The opportunities I’ve been given go beyond my wildest dreams.

8. My Trip to New Orleans

I almost didn’t make it to the Essence Music Festival this year. But I had always wanted to go and so instead of being rational, I threw caution to the wind and booked a last minute flight out to New Orleans. Best decision I made all year. I had an absolute blast hanging with my blogger besties in one of the most beautiful and culture-rich cities in this country.

9. My Successful Whole 30 Challenge

So towards the end of the summer, you guys who follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook probably recall me jumping head first into a full 30-day detox called The Whole 30. This was life-changing for me. It’s incredible to see firsthand how your body reacts to cutting out toxic foods. I never felt better. I’m already planning my next Whole 30 journey for 2013. It may be happening sometime in February, stay tuned.

10. Being Valued as a Voice

This year I had the pleasure of doing a number of speaking engagements and panel discussions =- something I’ve never done before! This year, I spoke at the Blogworld & New Media Expo, the Rising Affluent Conference, the BlogHer Conference, a Fashion Blogger panel for a Youth Women’s group as well as a PENN Alumni panel. You guys already know I love to talk, so being able to share some of my experience in this industry with other folks who really care? Priceless. I can’t wait to do more of it in 2013.

11. My First Runway Fashion Show

BlogHer blessed me with the opportunity to strut my stuff in their very first runway fashion show. I had SUCH a blast being in the company of other awesome bloggers and walking down a runway for the first time. I even landed a beauty feature on Elle.com because of it. So much fun!

12. Hosting Social Women Brunches

This year, myself and Yoli of Yoli’s Green Living co-hosted a series of brunches entitled “Social Women”. We had esteemed guests like comedienne actress Kim Coles and even socialite/entrepreneur Angela Simmons. I’ve always love hosting events so this was a true accomplishment for me.

13. My First ATL Weekend (Turned Week)

There’s nothing like a plate of Southern food to make you feel at home, even when you’re away from home. I visited Atlanta for the first time this year and what was supposed to be a quick weekend getaway turned into an extended stay due to Hurricane Sandy. I didn’t complain. I connected with ATL friends, ate tons of Southern cuisine and counted my blessings, considering the tragedy that was taking place in my hometown.

14. My Successful 2 Year Natural Hair Journey

Two years natural guys! Can you believe it? I didn’t think I would make it without the creamy crack but I did! And the journey is still going strong.

15. My Daytime TV Debut (Katie Couric Show)

I had the pleasure of being Katie Couric’s behind-the-scenes live blogger on her daytime talk show this year. I got to meet Katie, I wrote a post for her website and I was treated to a front row seat at the show (with laptop in tow). It was a great experience.

16. Taking Part in Political History…Again

I voted back in 2008 for what I believed would never actually happen. Having a First Family of color for the past 4 years has been nothing short of amazing for me. Our ancestors fought so incredibly hard to make dreams like this come true. I was happy this year to participate in his re-election. Not because of his skin color, but because I believe in his values and what he plans to do for this country. I’m not really big into politics, but I was proud to do my civic duty this year.

17. Meeting Iyanla Vanzant

Guys, I am ONE degree of separation from Oprah! That’s right, your girl met Iyanla Vanzant at a launch dinner for her new show “Iyanla Fix My Life” not too long ago. I was honored, to say the least. She has such a warm presence, and her show on OWN network is really touching lives. This night was monumental for me.

18. My BlogHer Style Squad Appointment

I am a super proud member of BlogHer Publishing Network’s very first Style Squad. I contribute posts to their site and they now service ads right here on LoveBrownSugar.com (as you guys probably have noticed on the right sidebar and top header). It’s beyond my wildest dreams that I’m able to make a little chump change from doing what I love. I’m thankful to BlogHer for believing in me and supporting my dream.

From bad breakups to bouts of unhappiness and depression, nearly losing loved ones in my immediate family and feeling like all hope was lost. I even stopped blogging for nearly a month! God’s grace is really the only reason I can say I’m still here. So I’ll go forward counting my blessings and remembering how important it is to give thanks for the positive things in your life. One of which, for me, is your readership and your continuous support. I’m beyond blessed to have readers (and friends, really) like you all. I wish you guys continous success, prosperity and true happiness for the upcoming year!

What’s one major thing you accomplished in 2012? What are you most proud of?

It’s Day 1 of the 12 Days of LoveBrownSugar giveaway series and we’re kicking things off with all things beauty! You guys know I love gabbing about hair, nails and makeup so today’s gift pack includes a few of my absolute faves courtesy chic mega-retailer Target. For those of you like me who really can’t afford to dig deep into your pockets for holiday gifts this season, Target is the quintessential one-stop-shop. It’s dangerous, y’all. I’ve been known to walk in there for toothpaste and walk out with a whole new lineup of beauty products, a new bedroom set and toys for my nephews. It’s a trap!

But today, you officially have permission to get caught up. Get a load of this faboosh beauty bundle LoveBrownSugar is gifting one reader with:

Rules for Entry:1. You must be following LoveBrownSugar on Twitter and Facebook.2. Leave a comment below about why you should win.3. For bonus entry, tweet @LoveBrownSugar @Target using the hashtag #TargetHoliday.

Target beauty bundle of 4 total products valued at $60.99. Sweepstakes ends 11:59PM EST 12/25/12. Open to U.S. residents 18 years of age or older. Winner drawn at random. Winner has 72 hours to respond with contact information before new winner is selected. Winning prize and compensation provided by Target. This program is not administered or sponsored by Target or its affiliates, but solely by LoveBrownSugar.

Here at LBS, we’re always on the prowl for great finds. If we can glam it up with fly wardrobe, we can do the same in our humble abodes. You guys remember our Home Improvement series started this past summer, right? Well, we’ve stumbled on an online treasure in trendy home decor that we can’t keep quiet about. Allow us to introduce you to Funky Dada.

Funky Dada, who’s tagline is “Live With Style”, is marked by an eccentric mix of bold colors, textures, and ankara prints that bring out personality in any home space.

From artisan painted dining ware to beautifully embroidered pillows, their handcrafted merchandise includes everything from bedding, lighting, and lifestyle Accessories. No one ever went wrong with a little dash of color in their life.

Who doesn’t enjoy a touch of custom art and eclectic prints around the home?

These works of art make the perfect gift for the highly anticipated holiday gatherings or a good friend’s house warming party.

To check out more of these funky pieces check out Funky Dada online HERE.